‘Shoes that gave me bunions’: The best and worst of op-shopping

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, chocolate maker Emica Penklis.

Loco Love founder Emica Penklis loves 1990s vintage pieces by Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace.

How would you describe your style? Intentional, sensory and effortless.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have heaps of vintage designer pieces. I like Moschino stuff from the ’90s – a little black tank with silver charms is a favourite. I also like John Paul Gaultier from that era for the spiritual and punk influences done in a refined, timeless way. I have one of his mesh tops with a Sanskrit print in earthy tones.

And the most recent addition? A black Alaia “Le Coeur” heart-shaped bag. I like to express my values through my clothing with symbols and accessories; I believe in love and the bag is a cute way to express that.

What would you wear … on a first date? An All That Remains front-tie top with silk Jaga pants and Alaia “Sculpture” wooden wedge mules … on a plane? A Nagnata cotton tee, cashmere jumper, Lucy Folk side-stripe “Mantra” track pants and Asics sneakers … on the red carpet? In a dream world, I’d wear an over-the-top, custom-made Gianni Versace piece from the ’90s.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’90s was effortless, rebellious and timeless. It was more about individual style than following trends, and I like that there was a balance of soft and strong.

Who are your favourite designers? Nagnata is comfortable and effortless; I wear the fashion pieces more than the yoga stuff. I love Lucy Folk for its wearability and the attention to detail – the artisan touches, symbols and patterns. Vivienne Westwood because it’s rebellious and unconventional. I also have heaps of pieces by Los Angeles-based label Jaga; it’s super comfortable, flattering and great for the Byron Bay climate.

Do you wear fragrance? I don’t. We’re releasing a Loco Love incense soon, so I’ve been burning that.

Emica Penklis covets dresses from Dolce & Gabbana’s “Sicily” collection

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Silk pants, vintage Levi’s 501s, and natural fibre long-sleeve tops and tees.

Any go-to jewellery? My dad’s a jeweller and he’s made me some beautiful, organic-looking pieces from gold and precious stones, including a big blue sapphire ring he gave me for my 40th. I also have some pieces from Cleopatra’s Bling and Heaven Mayhem.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? There was a cute little Mickey Mouse polo shirt and matching miniskirt when I was about five.

What was your worst fashion mistake? I started op shopping in my 20s, and looking back at some of those outfits … cropped pedal pushers with a mini dress and really bad grandma elasticated court shoes that gave me bunions. I can’t believe I wore that out.

What’s on your wish list? I’ve been looking at the little dresses and miniskirts in Dolce & Gabbana’s “Sicily” collection. I don’t know where I’d wear them, they’re for grown-up people. When you’re younger you can get away with dressing grungy; I’ve been struggling with my style as I get older because it needs to change to be a bit more appropriate and refined.

Is there something you would never wear? Anything from Shein.

Is there a current trend you like? I like the movement towards more artisanal pieces and away from toxic fabrications. I studied fashion design but chose not to pursue it because it wasn’t sustainable. I didn’t know then there was a market for one-off pieces.

What do you sleep in? Linen sheets.

What shoes do you wear the most often? Guidi leather boots and Fendi loafers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Alexa Chung has really good style.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Silk pants with a cropped Acne Studios shirt and Gucci fisherman sandals.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A silk slip by local designer Romy Bennie.

Emica Penklis is the founder of Loco Love chocolate.

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